Cookson still upbeat

Steel products group Cookson delivered better half-year numbers than analysts were predicting although investors seemingly continue to discount the group's ability to achieve its ambitious 2013 targets. The company's goals are a return on sales margin of 12 per cent and double-digit earnings growth that would lift EPS to around 90p. Notwithstanding possible market doubts, with the group expecting a marginally stronger second half - driven by normal seasonal demand strengthening in electronics - chief executive Nick Salmon anticipates the full year to come in above expectations.

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